Snape

The letters usually come out in the order of the auditions, i.e. Newcastle first, then Manchester, who was next Leeds? with London being last, but if they are e-mailing who knows. I had my bets on this Thursday for Manchester (just a random guess!!!!) They like to keep you guessing, so you never know it could be July. ooo, It's like the lottery.

Hello Balletmom20, Did they say via e-mail this year? I will let all the little ones that I know, know. Their Mums/Dads were expecting a letter. We got our letter through the post, so lovely. I suppose it must be quite expensive to post all those letters though.

They do look nice as long as you wear something under them.We were told on our first day about it, bought the loverfor and spare big knicks, all sorted. I do like the look. They are lined at the front, just a bit thin. Maybe because with a white leo it is easier to see what the body is doing, each and every rib and muscle? None of DD's class are developed at all, you still don't want to see what is underneath! especially since 50% of the class are boys.

Hello Happymum, My DD is a JA and she wears the loverfor. Works well. All the female JAs at our centre must wear something under their leo ( by request of teacher), some also wear white granny knickers or the bloch one. In fact the rule is, if you forget your ballet underwear you MUST wear your regular pants, even if they are illuminous/spotty, for modesty's sake. You can get big children's knickers from M&S. My DD preferred the body, less irritating.. p.s. Shelia if you get any small pants in let us know, cant find any anywhere, all too big for very slim children. they would be useful for shows/performances/class.

Yes you can audition anywhere for any centre. I think you can choose up to 2 places that you would consider going for the classes.

DD loves split soles, they do look a lot better; but she is not allowed to wear them for class or exams, only for a show. She is only young (10) and needs to keep strengthening her feet ready for pointe. I think mainly older children wear them, children already on pointe or those that are not going to go en pointe. I don't think they are suitable for young DD or DS but that is just my opinion. (and her teachers!) They do look fab though all the children love them.

Hi Sahraw, Thanks for that, We use the bloch prolite at the moment. We have never tried Sansha, we will look out for those, sounds interesting. Must be the only brand we've haven't tried. Capezio narrow used to fit, but when she is in-between sizes they seem to drown her feet.

Well I have spent a small fortune buying soft ballet shoes on-line. We do not have a ballet shop anywhere near us. Nightmare. We have to wait until we go to the big city or buy on-line. I do try to order the same brand that fits in a bigger size, but sometimes when DD is grows, she doesn't fit so well in that brand and we have to change brands again. Doesn't help when they have slim arched feet, not many brands fit. I think I should set up a business - custom ballet flats. Not to mention the amount of times they send you the wrong thing, wrong size, wrong width, wrong brand, or just don't bother to send you anything at all ;-( I know they are not all that bad ( some are fab) but it is frustrating.

Hi all, Funny seeing this post from last year, when DD got her JA place. It was so exciting (actually still is) Just to update you.. she has had such a great time and relishes every moment. She is coming to the end of the first year and looking forward to another year. Not wanting it to end. Such a great opportunity. A friend asked me to post on here as she is not a forumer. Her little DD has auditioned for JA's this year. She was a bit apprehensive as she auditioned last year for another scheme and did not really have a positive experience. So she wanted me to let anyone, who was not sure about their DD/ DS auditioning to go for it!. Her DD really enjoyed it, she was on the roof with excitement after and had a fab time, so did the other 7 little ones I know that auditioned this year. Her DD (who likes to win) said she is not bothered about the outcome, she enjoyed it so much and she will be happy to try again if she doesn't get in. She said nothing was difficult and all the people there were really nice. They had a fab day. So good luck everyone, but most of all enjoy the experience.

Audition letters are out!

Hi, There is an Italian just down from the travel lodge that was nice ( the Battersea one not Clapham junction one) They will make things for the children that are not on the menu. My DD likes sweetcorn and ham pizza. They were really sweet with little DD. The war museum by Chelsea is really good and cafe was ok and not too expensive. Depending on how young your sons are there is a ball play place on the ground floor of the museum.

Hello, We bought one from America, it was about £23 and came within a week or two. http://balletisfun.com/the-ballet-is-fun-turnboard/ I paid via paypal ( safer) it was easy. Not essential but fun.

Selected wait list for us as well, oh well. Didn't think she would get that, our pictures were awful!!!!!

When My DD applied we put two ticks, as we live in the middle of know-where so there were two possible options for us. The one that was easier for us to get to, I put a big tick by that centre ( and that was the centre she auditioned at) we also put a small tick in the other centre that would have been OK too. We were told that this was quite normal and encouraged. In fact the lady there on the audition day said that if anyone would consider another centre to tell the lady on the door, as you leave. I think the centre we applied for is quite popular. Anyway she got a place at our first choice location. ;-)

All the best things are a bit mad. That goes for people too. Nowadays I think they call it "creative"

We are about £7 for every 45 mins, no pianist. RAD

Exciting!, a bunch of us are going up in a mini bus. Can not wait!

abitwornout, we are younger than you, I think. Age 9 year 5. The younger group.

Hi Primrose, I hope they see it as vocational and part of her development as a dancer, not a holiday. She has only ever missed school for ballet exams, no sick days/holidays or anything else, so hopefully will be ok?? But I will have to see tomorrow.

Manchester, I think there are two general rehearsals, so maybe the northerners go first. The file things are press and clamp file ( it might just be for Manchester JA's) I assume it is for the exercise sheets. I think it said it in the intro booklet. Your teacher might do something different. I would not worry, I am sure they will tell you if you need something.

Good luck everyone. My DD starts next weekend. All sorted including the weird file things, I could only get from amazon. She is a bit scared but excited. Have just been e-mailed the general rehearsal thing, ekk I am going to have to ask for another day off school for DD. Here we go again. Fingers crossed.

Hi, We have done the 170 bus loads of times. But sometimes a bus comes straight away, other times we have waited ages. If you get the bus straight away, it takes no time at all then the tube, but I would not risk it. Exams always seem to run over. I have not done the clapham junction but the 170 goes there from right outside only about three/ four stops.

My DD used to have those shoes ( has to wear startrite) but she say's there to babyish now (only 9 years old) but she loves the startrite brogues and they fit the same as the shoe for her. We have to have them fitted at the shop too. Does your shop have any she could try.

Hello Debs0807, A lady made a made to measure tutu for my DD. It was amazing, you cannot tell from the picture how beautiful it is. She sent me pictures as it was going along but when it came wow it looked so good I just had to keep looking at it. The top layer of the skirt is all sparkly very intricate. We choose all the colouring and decoration ourselves. She advised if/what would work. I measured my DD ( a lot of measurements with the lady on the phone, I managed it!, or she can do it or you ( but you have to go and see her) or you can get a dress maker to take the measurements and send them to her. Anyway cost depends on what you want but here is the link to website: http://www.lulustutus.co.uk/ and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulustutus.co.uk She has costs on website, very good value for money. Quality is excellent. You do need to book a slot though. You can also get one made and decorate it yourself. I am not sure how to post a pic, I will see if I can.